Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 6 – Foresight

“No one knows the future, but the present offers clues and hints on its direction.“–Innocent Mwatsikesimbe

Neron

The tension in Mom’s voice made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Nuria and I shuffled to make room for her. She took the seat between us, resting the album on her lap. “A mother’s intuition never lies. I’m sure you both have questions as to what is going on.”

“Um… we do not know what you’re talking about?” Nuria chuckled nervously. Goddess, she was such a terrible liar, sometimes. I shook my head in disappointment.

“You both been receiving prophetic dreams, correct?” Silence. “Or dreams that reveal to you the future before it happens? What about dreams involving your mates?”

My jaw clammed shut. How did Mom know about that? Has Nuria been getting the same dreams like me? My sister looked at me with eyes pleading for help, but I didn’t know how to help her. I was just as confused. Mom took our silence as her answer, nodding before flipping through the pages of the album. The photos of our family aged the further she flipped, going back in time as each photo lost its color.

“I haven’t done my due diligence on explaining your true family history.” Mom started; eyes glued to the album. “You both are aware of your paternal family history, but not mine. Your ability to dream and see the future directly results from your Norwegian blood; a blessing passed down by your ancestor, Ulf, and Alva Johansen.”

“Never heard of those people before.” I rested my elbow on the armrest. “Why didn’t you tell us this before?”

“Well, I have been dead for thirteen years, for one.” Mom laughed. “And these abilities typically manifest between late adolescence and early adulthood, but there are some exceptions, especially for the both of you.” She flipped to a page where an aged, yellowed portrait of a man was shown, wearing what looked to be Viking clothing. His face was stoic, yet I felt the power from this man radiating through the picture.

“He doesn’t look friendly.” Nuria joked. Mom smiled, shaking her head as she patted her on the top of her head. She huffed, batting her hand away playfully.

“The Johansen bloodline stretches back many centuries, dating back as early as when the gods once roamed the earth.” Mom’s fingers gently smoothed out the bent corner of the portrait. “Ulf Johansen was a Viking werewolf one hundred percent dedicated to Lord Odin, King of the Norse Gods. Our family has many stories of how werewolves came about in Norway. From what I can remember from when I was a child, one story stated Ulf was one of the first werewolves born from Fenrir, the demonic werewolf beast destined to kill Odin during Ragnarok but was purified by Selene once she saw their internal suffering. Another stated Ulf was born as one of Selene’s creations, just like the rest of the werewolf race, and was gifted, along with many others, to Odin as a sign of companionship. The Asnuz Pack, our family’s pack, is one of the oldest of Norway.”

“Zircon Moon had nothing on them.” Nuria chuckled.

“Not even a droplet of worth,” Mom added.

“Interesting,” I muttered, tapping my finger against my thigh. “What else is there?”

Chapter & Foresight

“Much more. Holy wars were a common occurrence between the gods that, often, spilled into the mortal realm. As a non–human, Ulf fought to protect his people during the wars, Unfortunately, he harbored distrust for anyone who wasn’t a wolf, as there has been some uneasy peace amongst the other supernaturals. A warrior’s blood burns bright, long after death, but kept alive through their ancestry. However, during one war, he was severely injured and was on the verge of death until a volva, or a witch, rescued and healed him. Come to find out that witch, named Alva, was his destined mate.”

Mom flipped to the page that revealed her portrait of Alva dressed in traditional Scandinavian garb, holding a staff in one hand. She hore a striking resemblance to her and Nurla, right down to the ringlets in her hair.

“Despite Alva being a volva, Ulf fell passionately in love with her and found purpose in making certain she was safe. They kept their relationship a secret from both their sects, as they feared neither would be accepted. Ulf did not let anyone or anything harm his love. One day, Alva requested to become a wolf like Uff so they could be together for much longer because Alva was still mortal. He pleaded with Odin for his help and Alva was, to this day, one of the few humans in history to not be a werewolf from birth. Alva’s transformation was difficult and there was a guarantee that she wouldn’t survive the shift, but Ulr’s love for her and her love for him was strong enough to ensure her survival. After her transformation, Alva kept her volva abilities and those two officially mated and lived happily until the end of days with their many children.”

“Aw, I’m glad they got their happy ending.” Nuria smiled, resting her head on Mom’s shoulder. Our family line wouldn’t exist without it. A fierce feeling suddenly lanced through my belly like a sword to concrete, filling my veins with green, gently tickling my anger. As quick as it appeared, I stomped it to dust.

Goddess, what the hell was wrong with me? I shouldn’t be jealous of my own ancestors. They didn’t fuck up. like I did.

reason. Not all of us would have Alva’s blessing, but we all gained Ull’s blessing. Johansen blood stretches from beyond Norway. To ensure that

with

be forever shrouded with mystery. However, the past couple of generations of our family have exclusively mated with Alphas, counting myself. You two are purebreds, and so are your grandparents and great–grandparents. Alva’s blessing was given to your grandfather, who has the gift of foresight. It had

and I being seers?” Nuria scoffed.

the circumstances of our lives, the discovery and development were

family line, descending to where Nuria’s and I’s names laid. “Did Dad know

either of you would’ve

that he’ll never know.” Nuria folded one leg over the other, crossing her arms as she frowned. “Who knows what the power–hungry old man would’ve done

nose, stress lines creasing in her brow.

blood isn’t

the same. Dad destroyed us. He ruined our family. Yet, a part of him lives within us as we are his children. How couldn’t we think we have tainted blood when the man who made us was an abusive fuck like all the men before him? Nuria watched me live under his authoritarian rule, watched me almost

skattene mine.” Mom’s voice was firm, but love dripped from every syllable she spoke. She planted kisses on our foreheads before continuing. “Despite all he’s done, he has gifted me you two, my treasures. I love you both more than life. Your father was bad, yes, but that

me a worried glance, struggling to believe Mom’s words. She was right, but it still hurt. One

relaxed enough to be susceptible to its messages. How have your dreams

Nuria to see her eyes tightly shut and her teeth grinding in her mouth. Neither of us wanted to answer, but Mom didn’t need that. She already knew. “Foresight has a couple of limitations, as it will only allow you to see the future if it involves someone you hold dear to her heart. It’ll show you what you need to

shows us something bad… Nuria hesitated, sucking in a gulp of air. “… does it mean it’ll

“It can.”

I couldn’t accept that.

refused to

be an Alpha, but to be tortured by psychic dreams of your mate murdered in front of you was another. And to add salt to the wound, it can come true? No fucking way. I never asked for this damn ability. The future

sleep if it meant watching Kiya

couch, heading toward the front door. Mom called out for me, but I didn’t respond. The crisp cool air filled my lungs and licked against my skin once I was outside, but it didn’t calm the irritation bubbling in

Chapter & Foresight

I’m destined to lose

and my chest constricted. No, no, no,

plopped onto the top steps, placing my head in between my legs to calm my erratic breathing. A technique Dr. Nilsen taught

out. Breathe in,

I thought to be a minute, serenity took the place of my panic, bathing me in its

and a tissue. Sniffling, I took the tissue to wipe my tears I didn’t know had fallen and gulped down the water. Nuria sighed, rubbing her elbows, staring at

of a big snake,

hold tightened around the mug. “Yeah, I

a coincidence that we had the same nightmare. That’s why I was awake when you found me–it felt too real for me

Kiya die,” I whispered, my throat drying instantly. “Did you

else.” Nuria’s blue eyes filled with fear, glittering as a stray tear swam

feel

means.” She chuckled, sniffling. “I don’t think they’re aware of the bond and if they were, would they accept me? I’m just… treading

could see it in her face. Her face was like an open book, exposed and readable. I’m happy she knew who they were, but I hated how she felt inadequate to be accepted. She’s a marvelous woman, and whoever her mate turns out to be will love

they’ll have to deal with